Address: 28 Fore Street, Fowey, Cornwall.

Tel: 01726 833302.

Website: theoldquayhouse.com.

First impressions: A Grade II former seaman's mission sandwiched between a narrow one-way street and the beautiful Fowey estuary - oh dear, where do we park? Once inside, it's all glass, stone, white walls and traditional-meets-contemporary decor; a high-budget 'architect designed' refurb-extension recently turned this former guest house into a smart family-run boutique hotel.

What are the rooms like? Ours was in the new part of the hotel and furnished with woven banana-leaf furniture from Java, natural finishes, a huge mirror and a tiny balcony with side-on views of the estuary.

The bed test: We slept on a luxury king-size with Egyptian cotton sheets and an enormous banana-leaf headboard, under a white goose-down duvet and a cashmere pashmina. Other rooms (there are 12 of them) have wrought iron, French-polished boat beds or four-posters.

The bathroom: Posh stainless steel and porcelain plumbing, a walk-in glass power shower (most rooms have a free-standing bath, too) and Molton Brown toiletry dispensers.

The restaurant: More woven furniture and neutral colours in a long sunny space opening on to a waterside sun terrace. The menu is a delicious blend of seafood, local produce and Mediterranean flavours, though portions are a little small.

What is there within walking distance? The foot-passenger ferry service to Polruan on the other side of the estuary, harbour walks and footpaths through National Trust coastland, shops, pubs and restaurant, and the pay-and-display car park where you will need to leave the car.

How much a night? Superior doubles £140 per night B&B, deluxe doubles (with estuary views) £170 per night.